Every Shrek Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Surprisingly, discussion of the Shrek films has been one of the most requested topics for MovieBabble to cover. While the franchise was popular during its heyday in the mid-2000’s, Shrek has since regained popularity on the weird part of the internet with a litany of memes and videos. If you aren’t aware of the phoenomenon to which I’m referring, quickly search “shrek is love, shrek is life” and you’ll soon understand. But before you do that, let’s see how each film stands up to each other:

#4: Shrek the Third (2007)

Like the other films that preceeded it, there’s a ton of witty pop culture references contained in this film. However, what’s missing here is the heart that made the original and its sequel so charming. The film continues with the same themes behind it like the previous two films, and that’s exactly the problem. Rather than being a subversive animated movie that speaks better to adults than children like the previous installments, Shrek the Third is largely hollow and void of charm. Obviously, this film is the marker for the beginning of the end of the Shrek franchise.

That’s not to say there isn’t some enjoyment as the spoof of many fairytales continues, but this third film pales in comparison to Shrek and Shrek 2.

Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score: 41%

Metacritic Score: 58

MovieBabble Score: D+

image via failed critics

#3: Shrek Forever After (2010)

Unlike the third installment, Shrek Forever After attempts to move away from the template set by the initial trilogy of the franchise and deliver a different film.

But does it succeed? Kind of.

Although it introduces a different concept with Rumpelstiltskin having the ability to alter time and space with different dimensions, the contents of the film after this event occurs are largely a rehash of the previous films. I’d compare this film to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Is the film terrible? Definintely not. But is it memorable? No, not really.

The film is too competently made to cast aside as an atrocity to film, but it lacks the creativity that makes Dreamworks a respectable animation studio.

Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score: 58%

Metacritic Score: 58

MovieBabble Score: C

image via BBC

#2: Shrek (2001)

The film that started it all, the original Shrek covers familiar ground from a theme perspective by being an animated representation of the adage “don’t judge a book by its cover.” That being said, this theme is presented in such a way that the movie is wholly entertaining from start to finish.

The obvious standouts of the film come from the voice talent involved. Mike Myers is perfect as the title character. Every subsequent time I watch this film makes me miss Mike Myers more and more. Mike, we know you were hurt after everyone hated The Love Guru, but please come back to film soon. We all miss you.

Myers and Eddie Murphy are the engine that makes this film run. Their relationship is so funny and charming that almost every falt with the film melts away in the end. There’s even a sweet relationship that blossoms between Shrek and Fiona. Any way you look at it, this movie works suprisingly well.

As another note, the film was paramount to the popularity of Smash Mouth’s “I’m a Believer.” I can’t decide whether this is a positive or negative, so I’ll leave that decision to you.

Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score: 88%

Metacritic Score: 84

MovieBabble Score: A-

image via Cornel1801.com

#1: Shrek 2 (2004)

It covers a lot of the same ground as the original, but it adds even more heart and memorable characters to the mix to create a film that might even improve on the original.

As mentioned above, there are certainly familiar themes in this film. However, there’s a neat little twist to the formula by adding the in-laws to Shrek’s relationship with Fiona which adds more comedy and pathos to the film.

All of our favorite characters are back to give us even more yucks than the previous film, adding even more pop culture references which includes a hilarious opening homage to The Little Mermaid and a ring ceremony that resembles Lord of the Rings.

The new additions to the core characters works flawlessly. The best of which is Antonio Banderas’ Puss in Boots. Not only is he perfectly cast, those big, doughy eyes are absolutely hilarious.

Dare I say, Shrek 2 is magical. The fairytale elements of this film are so clever and charming, creating a sequel unlike any other.

Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score: 88%

Metacritic Score: 75

MovieBabble Score: A

image via ComingSoon.net

Thanks for reading! How would you rank the Shrek movies? How ever you may rank them, comment down below with your thoughts!

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A current young professional, Nick founded MovieBabble in October of 2016 in order to provide insightful film analysis that is meant to educate and entertain. Nick is also a member of the Internet Film Critics Society. You can follow Nick at the official MovieBabble Twitter account @MovieBabble_

It’s been a while since I’ve seen any Shrek film. However, I did view Shrek 4-D over at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida (twice) and as it somewhat serves as Shrek 1.5, it’s entertaining for what it is.

Also, there’s no mention of Puss In Boots’ spin-off film here. If you were to rank that entry, where would you put it?